Founded by Chong’s Yong Tau Foo and Pokpok Keh Pink Salt Chicken, Nanyang Culinary Club is a casual eatery in Little India near Rochor MRT Station which dishes out homely dishes including authentic Hakka Yong Tau Foo, tender baked herbal chicken, as well as old-school local beverages such as Kopi-cino, Milo-cino and Bandung-cino.

Located just a stone’s throw from Rochor MRT Station, Nanyang Culinary Club is a cosy eatery with a heritage decor where you can listen to Xinyao music and enjoy affordable local food.

We are huge fans of Pokpok Keh Pink Salt Chicken and they previously had a shop in Kovan for takeaways. You can now enjoy their famous baked herbal chicken in a comfortable setting.

We’ve always loved such simple & comforting baked herbal chicken and their renditions are extremely flavourful! Pokpok Keh Pink Salt Chicken uses top quality kampung chicken and they are prepared using Himalayan pink salt (lower in sodium content as compared to regular table salt) and premium herbs, and baked until fork-tender.

There are 4 flavours available, and our favourites are the Ginseng Pink Salt Chicken (S$29) and Bazhen Pink Salt Black Chicken (S$23)—both with their respective health benefits to boast. The other two flavours that you can also try are Original Pink Salt Chicken (S$29) and Bak Kut Teh Pink Salt Chicken (S$29).

You can order the whole chicken as a communal dish to share with your friends and family, or get their individual Chicken Bento (S$11.90) which comes with a pink salt whole chicken leg, lava egg, seasoned cucumbers, rice and a special chilli sauce which complements the pink salt chicken.

Moving on to Chong’s Yong Tau Foo’s Hakka Yong Tau Foo. The collagen-rich soup base has a strong taste of solefish and soy beans while the yong tau foo is generously stuffed with a mixture of water chestnuts, carrot, fresh minced pork, and fish paste. We love the extra crunch of the water chestnuts and the yong tau foo ingredients go really well with a homemade chilli sauce which is specially made for the yong tau foo.

The Hakka minced pork noodles also deserve a special mention. Topped with minced pork and mushroom, the noodles have a QQ texture and they are really good.

The Collagen Hakka Yong Tau Foo Noodle Set for 1 pax (S$8.90) comes with the Hakka minced pork noodles and 6 pieces of Yong Tau Foo in a bowl of collagen soup. Other than their classic Yong Tau Foo ingredients, you can add on Fried Hakka Pork Balls (S$7.90), and Fried Mini Ngoh Hiang (S$7.90) to complete your meal.

For those of you who are driving to Nanyang Culinary Club, there is ample parking at Tekka place carpark which is just a short 2-minute walk away.

If you are too lazy to head out, Nanyang Culinary Club offers free Islandwide deliveries for order above S$58, with fresh & frozen options to choose from. You can get their frozen herbal baked chicken to enjoy at the comfort of your home. All you have to do is to thaw and steam it for 20 minutes.

Nanyang Culinary Club
8 Perak Rd, Singapore 208129
Monday 11am – 4.30pm (last order 4pm)
Tuesday to Sunday : 11am – 9pm (last order 8:30pm)
https://www.nanyangculinary.com

This post was brought to you by Nanyang Culinary Club.

Any Singaporean who has not visited Mustafa—a glorious 24-hour megamall in Little India— is certainly losing out big time. With six different entrances, it takes a certain level of skill to navigate the madness within.

After a whole day of shopping at Mustafa Centre, head over to one of the many excellent Indian F&B joints around the area to fill your tummy up with rich Indian curry, crispy prata and hearty murtabak.

If you have no idea which Indian joint to pick, refer to our list of 12 Superb Indian Joints In Little India To Refuel After Your Mustafa Shopping Spree.

Photo Credit: A B Mohamed Restaurant

#1 A B MOHAMED RESTAURANT

This casual air-conditioned eatery is just a stone’s throw away from Mustafa Centre. With an exhaustive menu spanning both south and north Indian cuisine, this restaurant is a cut above the rest.

The speciality here is the ABM Malabar Murtabak which is filled with onions, eggs, chicken and mutton all sandwiched in crisp layers of pan-fried wheat dough. Pair this with a warm cup of teh tarik for the ultimate combo.

278 Serangoon Rd
Singapore 218106
Tel: +65 6298 1010
Daily: 9am – 12.30am
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

Photo Credit: HungryAngMo

#2 ANANDA BHAVAN VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT

For a no-frills vegetarian fix, head to Ananda Bhavan. This restaurant has been in operation since 1924 and holds bragging rights as Singapore’s oldest Indian vegetarian restaurant.

A popular eating haunt, Ananda Bhavan is known for its low-calorie options that scrap the use of additives, preservatives and MSG. Indulge in a tempting array of Rava Thosai, Chappati, Aloo Prata and Onion Uthappam.

95 Syed Alwi Road
Singapore 207671
Tel: +65 6398 0837
Daily: 24 hours
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

Photo Credit: Cookloveeat

#3 BALAJI BHAWAN

Adding another vegetarian restaurant to the list, Balaji Bhawan is located directly opposite Gate 2 of Mustafa Centre.

Renowned for their varieties of Chat (fried dough with fillings), North Indian Thali (an assortment of dishes on a platter) as well as the Gulab Jamun (spongy, milky balls), you can enjoy quite a feast here.

103 Syed Alwi Road
Singapore 207679
Tel: +65 9126 7797
Daily: 10am – 11.30pm
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

Photo Credit: Dan F.

#4 C.M.K. 2001 RESTAURANT

Even if you go shopping at Mustafa at ungodly hours and want some food after this halal-certified restaurant has got you covered for your late-night hunger pangs. From Mee Goreng Mamak, Masala Thosai, Chicken Biryani and prata of all varieties, you can recharge and chow down on decent Indian food before heading home.

2 Syed Alwi Rd
Singapore 207668
Tel: +65 6294 9013
Daily: 24 hours
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

Photo Credit: Copper Chimney

#5 COPPER CHIMNEY

The unique selling point of this restaurant opposite Mustafa Centre is the presence of Chinese-Indian fusion cuisine that features Hakka noodles and fried rice incorporating Szechuan peppers.

If you are having a tough time deciding from the elaborate menu line up, go for the all-time favourite Butter Chicken and Tandoori Naan. Alternatively, challenge your palate to the Kung Pao Chicken or perhaps the American Chopsuey.

100 Syed Alwi Rd
Singapore 207676
Tel: +65 6294 8891
Daily: 11am – 12.30am
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

Photo Credit: Nekyouto-Food

#6 KEBABS N CURRIES

If you have explored Mustafa Centre thoroughly, you would have chanced upon this fine Indian dining place on the top floor. Boasting a rooftop alfresco style dining with glass-panelled domed roofs, the place is pretty magical and romantic.

Even though the prices here are not as pocket-friendly as the ones along the streets, you are guaranteed top-notch Indian food here. There are Pakistani dishes too if you would like to switch things up a little.

171 Syed Alwi Rd, #07-00 Mustafa Centre
Singapore 207704
Tel: +65 6419 0749
Daily: 11am – 12.45am
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

Photo Credit: Komala Vilas

#7 KOMALA VILAS

Sticking to time-honoured traditions, this vegetarian restaurant is no stranger to Singaporeans with its massive loyal following. Since its opening back in 1947, Komala Vilas is famous for Thosai, delectable Thali sets and aromatic chai.

Served with lashings of sambar and chutney, dig into your meal and allow the exotic flavours of Indian cuisine to pamper your taste buds.

76 – 78 Serangoon Road
Singapore 217981
Tel: +65 6293 6980
Daily: 7am – 10.30am
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

Photo Credit: Madura’s Restaurant

#8 MADURA’S RESTAURANT

This halal-certified food joint’s menu is incredibly vast with choices ranging from Chinese Sizzlers, Tandoori & Kebab, Aromatic Biryani & Pilao and Seafood Specialties.

Chef recommendations include Mutton Rogan Josh, Chicken Tikka Masala, Chicken Dum Biryani as well as the scrumptious Kebab Platter. Satisfied diners have sung praises for these dishes that are on point with their robust flavours.

115 Syed Alwi Rd
Singapore 207683
Tel: +65 6294 1268
Daily: 12pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

#9 MURUGAN IDLI SHOP

In a bid to broaden the reach of exquisite South Indian tiffin cuisine, Murugan Idli Shop opened its first stall beyond India, right here in Singapore. As its moniker suggests, the signature here is none other than the mouth-watering Idli (steamed rice cakes) that is served with generous side dishes and a plethora of chutneys.

This vegetarian joint also promises authentic Thosai, Sambar rice and a slew of other full-flavoured savouries.

81 Syed Alwi Rd
Singapore 207660
Tel: +65 6298 0858
Daily: 9am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

Photo Credit: Sakunthala’s Restaurant

#10 SAKUNTHALA’S RESTAURANT

From its inception in 1997, halal-certified Sakunthala’s Restaurant is a popular eatery that is more often than not teeming with people who casually devour lip-smacking biryani meals here.

The mind-boggling array of classic Naan, Thosai and Prata will also leave you in a tough spot to decide. To stave off the food coma thereafter, be sure to order the Masala Tea or the Ginger Tea.

88 Syed Alwi Rd
Singapore 207667
Tel: +65 6293 6649
Daily: 11am – 3am
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

Photo Credit: Sankranti Restaurant

#11 SANKRANTI RESTAURANT

The expertly cooked Dum Biryani here hits all the right spots and the spiciness of the accompanying curries adds a lovely zing! Aside from their signature biryani, the restaurant’s forte revolves primarily around the spicy Andhra cuisine.

Savour delicious appetisers, juicy tandoor kebabs, soft Indian bread and perfectly seasoned curries amongst others.

79 Syed Alwi Rd
Singapore 207658
Tel: +65 6292 7655
Daily: 11am – 4pm, 6pm – 12.30am
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

Photo Credit: Cindy K

#12 USMAN’S RESTAURANT

Despite being situated slightly further from Mustafa Centre, this special place rounds up the list for its highly affordable Pakistani and North Indian fare. The fluffy Naan here boasts incredible texture and is traditionally made using a claypot oven known as a “tandoor”.

Their menu features everything from tandoori specialities to paneer and even briyani.

238 Serangoon Rd
Singapore 218085
Tel: +65 6296 8949
Daily: 12pm – 2am
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

Looking for a new spot to bring your Muslim amigos for dinner? The Great Mischief is a new Halal Catalan-inspired Tapas concept in Little India that you need to know about it!

Look no further for this new concept by The Black Hole Group offers a menu of savoury Spanish cuisine and house blend coffee. An overdue catch up with your compañero is calling!

From the folks that brought you Working Title, Afterwit, The Mad Sailors and Santap, The Great Mischief is a new halal-certified Spanish tapas bar and the fifth installation from The Black Hole Group.

Sprawled across the lobby of The Great Madras hotel, The Great Mischief adds a vibrant and playful Catalonian twist to the vintage setting of the hotel and rich heritage of Little India.

Photos Credit: The Great Mischief

Besides a humble range of delectable and affordable Catalan-inspired savoury tapas such as Coca Pizza, Croquetas and Calamares Sliders, the restaurant also offers a selection of Spanish-style desserts such as Churros and Torrijas alongside mocktails, speciality coffee and tea.

Inspired by the gastronomical culture of Catalonia, this place makes the perfect spot for sharing good food and spending quality time with family and friends.

If Spanish cuisine isn’t up your alley, you can check out these other Instagram-worthy Halal-certified cafés in Singapore for that caffeine fix or some late night sweet treats.

Mileslife is our favourite app to accumulate miles through everyday spending. You can earn 3 miles for every dollar spent at this restaurant. Download and try Mileslife out now! You can use our code ‘Ladyironchef‘ upon your first spending to get 1,000 miles.

The Great Mischief
28 Madras Street
Singapore 208422
Tel: +65 9392 2762
Sun to Thurs: 6pm – 10.30pm
Fri and Sat: 6pm – 2am
Closed on Tuesdays
Nearest Station: Rochor MRT

The Wired Monkey is a new speciality coffee shop nestled just off Little India along Dunlop Street. Besides serving up amazing coffee, they also have some interesting food offerings that delve away from your typical cafe fare.

Their Falafel Burger comes highly recommended and their banana cake is the perfect accompaniment for your freshly brewed coffee. The Wired Monkey uses a blend of coffee from Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee, a veteran in Singapore’s coffee scene.

If you’re tired, The Wired Monkey is, without a doubt, an excellent place to get wired.

If you happen to be a fan of Middle Eastern cuisine, then the Falafel Burger (S$12) should be right up your alley.

This unconventional cafe item consists of a deep-fried patty made primarily from chickpeas and is stacked with kale, a refreshing tomato compote and tzatziki (a common Greek sauce made with yoghurt, cucumber, garlic and sometimes mint).The dish comes served with thick, crispy wedges of sweet potato fries.

For coffee aficionados who adore the robust, medium-bodied blends that come from Tiong Hoe Speciality Coffee, you will be happy to know that The Wired Monkey sources their blends from them. So you can expect to always have a solid brew to go along with their tantalising array of dishes.

The Wired Monkey
5 Dunlop Street, #01-00
Singapore 209335
Tel: +65 9022 0194
(Closed on Sundays)
Mon to Fri: 9am – 7pm
Sat: 12pm – 8pm
Nearest Station: Little India

All photos are credited to The Wired Monkey SG.

Santap is a new muslim-owned cafe in Little India by the good folks from The Black Hole Group—who is behind Working Title and The Mad Sailors.

Santap, which means to eat luxuriously in Malay, offers a menu of healthy eats from sandwiches to stellar rice bowls. All of which are plated so beautifully that it would be a crime not to snap a shot of it for the ‘gram’.

Nestled within the newly opened boutique hotel, The Daulat—just a 5-minute walk from Rochor MRT station—this Muslim-owned cafe exudes a charming ambience and a cosy vibe that is just perfect for lounging about in the afternoon.

With both an indoor and al fresco space that is cool and cosy, Santap is a great spot for lounging or dining at any time of the day. Where space is concerned, the indoor space features only one communal dining table and although beautifully decorated, may not be ideal for big groups.

The al fresco area, on the other hand, is considerably more spacious and the breeze coupled with the easy listening tunes make it a great spot to chill at.

Featuring ingredients such as avocado, black beans, pineapple, red and white daikon and of course, a generous serving of fresh prawns, The Shrimp Rice Bowl (S$15) is sure to intrigue health nuts everywhere. It also comes served with aromatic brown rice that is spiced with things like cardamom and cumin.

The prawns were cooked simply with a garlic-infused butter which added a nice umami touch and played off nicely with the prawn’s natural sweetness.

For a more protein-packed meal, you can also opt for the Beef Rice Bowl (S$15) that comes with a whole range of wholesome ingredients, such as a poached egg, cherry tomatoes, corn, red onions, brown rice and alfalfa just to name a few. But the main star is the tender strips of lean beef.

The beef had a mild hickory smoke flavour to it, which went surprisingly well with their housemade Tonkatsu sauce, and the various veggie elements provided many different tastes and textures to brighten the entire dish up.

All in all, this dish makes for a pretty substantial (and healthy) meal that will have you feeling full yet incredibly pleased with yourself.

Every lunch set comes with a complimentary cold brew tea, and boy oh boy is it the perfect thing to have on a scorching afternoon.

We were really impressed that the baristas here use better quality tea and actually take the time and effort to garnish the drink properly, especially for something that’s complimentary.

Mileslife is our favourite app to accumulate miles through everyday spending. You can earn 3 miles for every dollar spent at this restaurant. Download and try Mileslife out now! You can use our code ‘Ladyironchef‘ upon your first spending to get 1,000 miles.

Santap
16 Madras Street
The Daulat
Singapore 208413
Tel: +65 8245 6284
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Rochor

For more recmmendations, read our guides on the best halal cafes in Singapore.

Being blessed and content living in a multi-racial society such as Singapore is a privilege that many people overlook. This diversity is what brings our little nation together, fusing people from all backgrounds and cultures into one big and happy family.

With this, it brings us the opportunity to explore these races and their specific cultures in a more in-depth setting—with various monuments, religious buildings, heritage centers and more that are available to us at any time and are generally free to visit.

As a local, you can always take a day off or use a day of your weekend to take a breather and immerse yourself in Singapore’s heritage. If you are visiting from overseas, this will be your definitive guide to do all these things in a span of a day. Here is How to Explore Singapore’s Heritage in A Day For Free.

GENERAL SINGAPORE HERITAGE

A visit to the national museum will kick-start your day on a high. Head over here after your breakfast and spend at least an hour or two reading about Singapore’s heritage and marvel at the art structures.

Time: 11am
Where to visit: National Museum of Singapore
Cost: FREE (for locals), S$10 for foreign visitors
Address: 93 Stamford Road, Singapore 178897
(Opens from 10pm to 7pm daily)

MALAY HERITAGE AT KAMPONG GLAM

Pick a nice lunch spot, if you can, head to one of the traditional Malay eateries in the vicinity of Kampong Glam for the most authentic and tasty eats. The Sultan Mosque is a must-see and we can promise you that it is beautiful.

Time: 2pm (After Lunch)
Where to visit: Kampong Glam Conservation Area & Sultan Mosque
Cost: FREE
Address: 3 Muscat Street, Singapore 198833

A VISIT TO LITTLE INDIA

The epitome of Indian culture lies right here. Take a walk down the smaller streets to truly get a glimpse of the shops and the daily life. Remember to have some authentic Indian curries and food and maybe have a peek at Mustafa, a huge convenience store with the best bargains.

Time: 4pm
Where to visit:
Cost: FREE
Address: General Little India Area (MRT: Little India or Farrer Park)

CHINATOWN ADVENTURE

Before you end your day, head down to Chinatown for dinner at a Chinese restaurant, then proceed on to shop bargains and other lovely products in the vicinity. The Sri Mariamman Temple and the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple are must-sees.

Time: 7pm (after dinner)
Where to visit: Sri Mariamman Temple & Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
Cost: FREE
Address: 288 & 244 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058840

ANOTHER MUST-VISIT ATTRACTION

(If you have extra time) You can visit Haw Par Villa. We left this as an optional place to head to as it is pretty far away from the rest of the places mentioned but it is filled with rich history of Chinese mythology and folklore that are not to be missed.

Where to visit: Haw Par Villa
Cost: FREE
Address: 262 Pasir Panjang Road, 118628
(Opens from 9am to 6pm daily)

About the writer:
Cheryl is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She loves a good steak and an even better cuppa. She eats just about anything and everything. In her free time, she regularly starts on sci-fi or fantasy movie marathons.